Celebrating the Sea: Exploring Maritime Museum’s Hidden Collection

The Maritime Museum of San Diego announces the opening of the new exhibit Celebrating the Sea: Exploring the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Hidden Collections in the Compass Gallery on the ferryboat Berkeley.

Entry to the new exhibit is included with general admission. From October 2024 through July 2025 visitors can revel in a rare and rich tapestry of treasured maritime-themed art and admire notable artists’ work, embracing the nautical world of breathtaking coasts, artifacts & treasured ships.

According to Maritime Museum of San Diego Librarian, and exhibit Curator, Kevin Sheehan, Ph.D., “It is estimated that globally less than five percent of museum collections are on display at any time. That means most of the art and artifacts conserved in museums worldwide are held in storage. This is not surprising. Putting items on view can require significant planning, and exhibit space in museums is often relatively limited.”  

According to Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., K.C.I., President/CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, “Here at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, our largest objects – the ships themselves – are very much in the public eye. But what of the smaller items – the ones that don’t necessarily fit into a themed exhibit? Our new exhibit, Celebrating the Sea, brings to light some of this hidden collection.” 

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is open daily at Star of India wharf, located at 1492 N. Harbor Drive between Grape and Ash Street. With one general admission ticket, visitors can explore the floating museum of ships along the north embarcadero and multiple below-deck exhibits.

General admission self-guided tour prices for adults are $24.00, seniors, military, and students 13-17 are $18.00 and youth 3-12 $12.00. Children under two are free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at sdmaritime.org or the Museum Ticket Booth. $10.00 daily 45-minute narrated Pilot Boat Bay tours may also be added to admission, based on availability at 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:45 p.m. and (3:45 p.m. weekends only) tour times.